WELCOME to our guests. Please complete the “Record of Fellowship” and/or sign our narthex guest book.  NURSERY available in church lower level during Sunday worship services; “Wee Ones” care during Bible Class.  SOUND:  Special hearing devices available (ask usher). LARGE PRINT bulletin copies are available from the ushers.  COPIES of the worship services and sermons (cassettes, VCR tapes or DVDs, printed sermons and E-Mail sermons) are available.  IMAGES:  Our services are taped on DVD and/or VCR devices and are considered as public “exhibitions.”  By their presence, participants agree to the recording and display of these images.   

 THIS WEEK’S SCHEDULED ACTIVITIES FOR
IMMANUEL LUTHERAN CHURCH AND SCHOOL

Week of March 7 – March 14, 2010
 

+ + IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE + +

Today’s Altar Flowers are placed in loving memory of Donald Medler by his wife, Helen. The Center Compote is placed in honor of Amanda Meyers’ birthday by her parents, Debbie and David Meyers.

Today’s Bulletin is given by the people of Immanuel Lutheran Church.

This week’s Eternal Light Candle is provided by Immanuel.                               

Today’s “Introspect” program is given in loving memory of Earl Anderson by his family and friends.

Weekly Memorial and Special Gift Opportunities:  Altar Flowers ($15 for two side bouquets; $12.50 for center compote)…Eternal Light Candle ($12 each)…Weekly Bulletin ($15 each)…Introspect Radio ($36 each week).  Thank you for your support! 

OUR PRAYERS:  George Ratkovich (FHN), Helen Baker (FHN), Gale Brechtel, Harvey Toepfer, Walter, Arlene Hand, Adam Bratley, Mirissa Erdman… for our Beloved Synod and for its Houston convention this July…or our Youth Gathering preparations …for our Lenten plans and our pastors’ preparations…for our shut ins and homebound…for all dealing with financial problems…for marriages in crisis…for the people of Haiti and the relief efforts…for the ability to share our faith in Jesus by what we do and say…for proper use of our TALENT the fruit of the Spirit which is …FAITHFULNESS…for proper use of the gift of the Holy Spirit which is…PIETY…for our Church Council…for the mission and ministry of Immanuel.  

GIDEONS SUNDAY (one of our Missions of the Month) is today.  A representative of the Gideons will briefly speak in our 8:00 and 10:30 services and an offering will be taken at the door after our services. 

WORK DAYS: We are planning two school and gym work days for the first and second weeks of March.  The first “Work Day” was last Saturday. The second “Work Day” is this Wednesday, March 10 from 3:00-5:00 (or until finished), including set-up for Tri-State weekend.   

SCHOOL REGISTRATION:  Are you interested in having your child attend Immanuel Lutheran School? If so, please call the school at 815.232.3511.  Our current students have until March 15^th to secure their enrollment and get their registration fee credited to their first month’s tuition.  After March 15^th, our enrollment is open to the public. 

SERVING SUNDAY, March 14, 2010

Growing GOD’S Disciples: Consider becoming a part of a Bible study group. Present topics being offered:

Discovering God’s Way of Handling Money – Leader: Stu Luedtke (815-297-4826)

Men’s Class:  How We Got the Bible – Leader:  Jeff Martin – Sunday mornings

Old Testament Challenge: Creating Community – Sunday mornings

Confronting Death: A Christian Approach – Leader: Larry Luy - Sunday mornings

Book Discussion: “The Shack: - Leader: Mike Welton - Sunday mornings

Parenting: The Early Years:                 - Leader:  Brian Elmer (815-233-5631)

Parenting: The Teenage Years: - Leader: John Wichmann (815-266-0881)

Iron Sharpens Iron/Through the Bible – 2^nd/4^th Tues – Glen/Linda Auman (815/232-7582)

Growing to be like Christ: Growing Disciples

Women’s Class: Becoming Women of Faith         

Basic Bible Lessons: Getting Started Reading the Bible 

ALUMNI GAME:  Are you a former Lancer?  Alumni basketball is being planned for Friday evening, March 19.  If you are interested, contact Athletic Director, Larry Tigges or Principal Mike Welton (ltigges@immanuellutheranfreeport.com) or (mwelton@immanuellutheranfreeport.com) by email or at 815-232-3511.  It was so much fun last year. Let’s do it again! 

BITTY BASKETBALL:  The kindergarten through 4^th grade children will be playing basketball on Sunday afternoon, March 21, starting at 1 PM.  If you can help coach or organize, please contact Athletic Director Larry Tigges by email (ltigges@immanuellutheranfreeport.com) or call 815-232-3511. Come and watch the play.  You’ll have as much fun as the kids.

BELL CHOIR: Our Immanuel Lutheran Handbell Choir will be featured at the Lenten Concert at Community Reformed Church, 1421 West Galena Avenue, on Sunday, March 14, at 7:00 p.m. Other concerts at the Community Church will be Glenda Linneman (March 7), Radiance (March 21), and As One Voice (March 28). 

SPECIAL VOTERS MEETING:  A special Voter’s Assembly meeting is being called for Monday, March 15 at 7:00 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall.  The purpose of the meeting is a motion from the Board of Trustees to approve a loan to Pastor Ros Schultz for the purpose of a down payment on the purchase of a new home with the following terms: ($15,600 principal amount, 4.875% interest, $650 monthly payment with the loan term being the number of months needed to repay the principal balance).  The regular Church Council meeting will be held after the special Voter’s meeting. 

DRAMA: Our annual Holy Week drama is scheduled for Thursday, April 1 at 7:00 p.m.  Pastor Schwichtenberg is looking for participants to help with a variety of characterizations.  Also, Diane Dietmeier needs the support of choir participants for this audio and visual experience.  The Apostle, Simon Peter, will be the host and the theme is “Simon Peter, the Gospel Writer.”  Though Simon did not write one of the Gospels of the New Testament his missions and ministry always focused on the Gospel.  Talk to Pastor Schwichtenberg if you can help with the drama. 

IWM: Immanuel’s Women’s Spring Fellowship will be Saturday, April 24 from 1-3 p.m. at the church with a 2 x 2 style show with women dressing to match a friend, mother, daughter, or with an invited friend, OR just come to cheer on the show. Bring salads to eat. All are invited!  

HELP US OUT:  If you know someone in our congregation (or beyond) who is sick or in the hospital, and in need of prayers and/or visits, please talk with one of our pastors and share this information.  It is very helpful on Sunday mornings (or anytime you see our pastors) if you write your concern on a card or sheet of paper and hand it to one of the pastors. 

I HAVE GOOD NEWS:  A new adult membership class is underway.  It meets on during the Bible class hour at 9:20 am in Pastor Switz’s office. Talk to Pastor/Alice Schwichtenberg or Pastor Schultz for information. 

Lutheran Witness:  It is time to order the Lutheran Witness for the 2010 year.  The cost is $15.00/year.  See Judy to place your to order. 

SCRIP CARDS: Help the school and a student by purchasing Scrip cards.  One-half of that profit can be designated to support a student in our school.  Check out the green forms in the narthex and return the form with your check to Immanuel in the school office.  Orders are due the 1^st & 3^rd Tuesday of each month with delivery the following Tuesday.  

MISSING:  Are you missing bowls, cake pans, etc?  Many items have been left in the church kitchen after funerals or suppers.  Check the cupboards in the northeast corner of the kitchen.  Thank you. 

RUMMAGE SALE: Have you been cleaning your closets during these long winter months?  Remember Immanuel will hold its annual Rummage Sale June 10-12 with set up the Saturday before. Donations will be received June 7-9.   

CONCERNS:  With the flu season already upon us, some of you are concerned about spreading or receiving germs. You may wish to use some sanitizer which is available at the end of the pews and in the narthex. Our pastors and elders cleanse their hands before Communion distribution and greeting.  Thank you for your help in our quest to prevent the spread of germs.  May our God keep us wise, healthy, and safe! 

LIFE QUOTE: “I think it is vital that society understands and appreciates the sanctity of every human life whether it is a developing child in the womb or somebody approaching the end of their life. When I graduate and become a doctor I am hoping to be able to use my skills to help save lives. I think abortion is never the answer and hope that one day, as a doctor, I will be able to help women to make the right decision.” Siobhan Fearon, 19, of Hull York Medical School. Lutherans for Life-www.lutheransforlife.org.  

CHECK THEM OUT! There are pamphlets in the tract rack. New tracts include information on Gambling, Take Heart to Your Grief, and Parents of Prodigals.

Sermon for March 3rd & 4th, 2010

Immanuel’s Ministry By Manuscript
Immanuel Lutheran Church - Freeport, Illinois

The Rev. Dr.Willis R. Schwichtenberg, Pastor 

“Simon Peter, the Resolver”
 (based on Matthew 16:21-22, 31-33; Luke 22:31-32)

A “First Person” Sermon by Simon Peter
(To my readers:  Please note that this is a “first person” sermon—a dramatic message given by a Biblical character.  It is based on Scripture but with additional thoughts that are devotional but not necessarily Biblical.  In essence, there is a point of “dramatic license” in this message. –Pastor Switz)

            Good (afternoon) (evening).  My name is Simon…Simon Peter…Peter or “petras” which means “the Rock.”  My brother in the faith…Saul…also known as Paul…wrote in one of his many letters, that he resolved to know nothing more among the people that he was writing to, but…except Jesus Christ and Him crucified.  (I Corinthians 2:2) 

He was writing to some troubled people…the people of Corinth…his letters to the Corinthians…and I guess that he had a real advantage.  …He was writing this letter

·         after the passion of Jesus…

·         after the betrayal…

·         after the denials…

·         after the trials…

·         after His suffering…

·         after the death of Jesus on the cross…

·         and after His resurrection. 

I, Simon Peter, had no such luxury when I made some bold statements at the Last Supper…when I said that I resolved…that I resolved…that I would Never deny…

·         Never turn my back on…

·         Never give my Lord cause to question…

(sheepish)

·         Never to mess up. 

            I am Simon Peter, the Resolver.  (Looking at the crowd)  I think that you probably make resolutions too.  You might make them at the beginning of a New Year…or you might make them when you take special vows…

·         Vows like marriage…

·         Vows like the day you confirmed your faith…

·         Vows such as the day that you took an office in the church…

·         Or entered the military service…

·         Or an oath to serve in the government or civil service

·         Or testified in court…

·         Or even simple things such as the time you took a certain loan…

·         Or follow some rules or guidelines.

(Pause) 

            There are resolutions happening all the time…and just because I am Simon Peter the Resolver, doesn’t mean that you also cannot be a Resolver.  (Pause)  I suspect that you are. 

            But the resolve of me and my fellow disciples the night when Jesus celebrated the Last Supper with us was a special resolve based on words of warning coming from the mouth of our Lord Himself. 

            Early in the supper that evening while Jesus was reclining at the table He said to us, “I tell you the truth, one of you will betray me.”  Oh, we got very said and one after another we began to say, “Surely not I, Lord!  Surely not I.”  On and on we went.  All of us were resolving that this would not happen.  Not me!  Not me!  Not me! 

            And, then, after Judas Iscariot had left the supper Jesus said, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me.”  And He even quoted Scripture.  He said, “I will strike the shepherd.  I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will (all) be scattered.  (slowly) I will strike the shepherd and the sheep of the flock will all be scattered. 

            But I, Simon Peter, said…

·         Resolutely…

·         Boldly…

·         Without hesitation…

·         Without reluctance…

(Pause)

·         Without thinking, I guess…

·         Resolutely…

·         (Pause)

·         “Even if all fall away…even if all fall away on account of you, I never will.

·         I never will.

(quietly)

·         I never will.

(Pause – then loudly)

·         I never will!!!

(slowly)  I am Simon Peter, the resolver.  (smiling)  Or maybe you could call me Simon Peter, the revolver…because I was something like a revolving door…

      ·         Sinning…
·         Repenting…
·         Resolving…
(slowly)
·         Sinning…
·         Repenting…
·         Resolving…

            There’s really a lot more to the story.  In fact, I’m going to talk about Simon Peter, the Denier.  (Pause)  But that will come at another time. 

            Instead, I need to talk a little bit more (today) (tonight) about Simon Peter, the Resolver. 

            Are you a resolver?  There’s nothing wrong with being a resolver.  And I don’t think that our Lord would ever want to discourage you from being a resolver.  Oh, our Lord Jesus Christ was all knowing…He was the Very Son of God…and He knew what was happening and what would be happening. 

            And I do think that He was hoping and praying about our resolve.  (Pause)  But He also knew.  He also knew. 

            Last week we heard these words from Jesus:  “Simon, Simon, Satan has asked to sift you as wheat (like wheat).  But I have prayed for you, Simon, that your faith may not fail.  And when you have turned back, strengthen your brothers.”  (Luke 22:31-32) 

            Jesus wanted me to resolve…He wanted me to keep my resolutions…even when He knew that I might fail…even when He knew that I would fail. 

            Our Lord Jesus Christ does not want us to fail…though it is very true that we might. 

      ·         He wants us to take those vows…
·         He wants us to pray…
·         He wants us to persist…
·         He wants us to read and mark and learn and study and inwardly digest…
·         He wants us to focus on His cross…
·         He wants us to resolve and to stay strong in our faith…
·         strongly holding onto that Rock of Ages who is Jesus Christ…
·         who is the Savior of the world.
·         And He even promises us the Spirit…His Holy Spirit…to get it done.  
·         And we can.
·         And we can.
 

            Oh, we may have to fall to our knees in repentance…we may have to re-resolve.  We may have to try again by His grace and with His power.  And we can.  And we will.  We will. 

            May God grant this to us for Jesus’ sake.  Amen.  Amen.

Sermon for February 17, 2010 Ash Wednesday Services

Immanuel’s Ministry By Manuscript
Immanuel Lutheran Church - Freeport, Illinois

The Rev. Dr.Willis R. Schwichtenberg, Pastor 

“Simon Peter, the Confessor”
 (based on Matthew 16:13-20)

A “First Person” Sermon by Simon Peter
(To my readers:  Please note that this is a “first person” sermon—a dramatic message given by a Biblical character.  It is based on Scripture but with additional thoughts that are devotional but not necessarily Biblical.  In essence, there is a point of “dramatic license” in this message. –Pastor Switz) 

            Good afternoon/evening.  I am Simon Peter.  Simon Peter, the Fisherman.  Penitent…sorrowful…yes (and how appropriate for your season of Lent…penitent…but ready to fish for men.) 

I am also Simon Peter, the Builder—ready to build something that didn’t need to be built.  But, today, I am ready to build Christ’s mission and ministry. 

            I am also Simon Peter, the Confessor.  And that’s our theme today.  Simon Peter, the Confessor.  Are you ready to make the good confession of faith?  Do you know what that really means?  To confess our faith…to confess what we believe? 

            Confessor and Confession. 
·         We say, I believe in God the Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth.
·         I believe in Jesus Christ, His only Son.
·         Conceived by the Holy Spirit.
·         Born of the Virgin Mary.
·         And I believe that Jesus is the Messiah.
·         The Chosen One.
·         The Christ. 

            And I am proud to say that I got it right.  Yes, I am Simon Peter, the Confessor. 

            Oh, it was a sobering scene.  Jesus had just fed the 5000.  And then He had fed the 4000.  And Matthew the Disciple and Apostle and Evangelist wrote about this. 

            And just after these miraculous feedings the Pharisees and the Sadducees were asking for a sign.  A sign!  Can you imagine?  Jesus had just fed 5000 people.  And then 4000.  He had healed people.  And He had even raised people from the dead.  And they were demanding a sign? 

What more “sign” do you need?

            (sarcastic)  And the rest of the disciples didn’t get it either.  They were only asking questions about bread and fish.  And the leaven of the Pharisees…whatever that was. 

            But, then, Jesus asked the man who knew.  Me!  Simon Peter.  Simon the Confessor.  I’m the man! 

            We were just coming into Caesarea Philippi and Jesus asked us…the disciples…the Twelve…”Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 

James said that the people were saying that the Son of Man is John the Baptist. 

John, his brother, another Bonarges, said that people were saying that the Son of Man is Elijah. 

And Andrew said that people were saying that the Son of Man is Jeremiah. 

And Thomas said that people were saying that the Son of Man is one of the prophets.  And he added, but I have my doubts. 

            But, then, Jesus said, “What about you?”  “Who do you say that I am?”

Philip said, “It’s Greek to me.” 

Simon the Zealot just jumped out of the way. 

Nathanael looked toward the trees and didn’t want to look at Jesus directly.

Judas Iscariot clutched his money bag.

Thaddeus looked around sheepishly.

Matthew counted the answers that were being given and wrote them in a little notebook.

And James the Less said, “Are you talking to me?” 

            (With more pride than necessary) If you want to ask a good questions, ask the right person…Simon the Confessor.
·         I, Simon.
·         I, Simon Peter.
·         I, Simon the Fisherman.
·         I, Simon the Builder.

            I said, “You are the Christ…the Son of the living God.”  And Jesus smiled and said to me, “Good job, Simon.  And Blessed are you, Simon, Son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by man but by my Father in heaven.” 

            And He continued, “And I tell you, you are Peter (petros…the “rock”)…and on this rock (the rock of faith) I will build my church and the gates of Hades will not overcome it.” 

            (Proudly) I am Simon Peter, the Confessor.  (Long Pause)  You know, I wish the story ended there.  It would make me into such a hero.  But I’m far from a hero…I am a sinful man…and, in fact, next week I’m going to tell you the rest of the story.  And it’s a story that makes me sad and embarrassed …and more. 

            But today the story is about what you call “Lent.”  This is a day of sackcloth of ashes and not of false and foolish pride.  This is a day to reign in on your emotions and to set your gaze on the cross.  And you’ve got 40 days to do it…46, really. 
·         Are you ready to pray?
·         Are you ready to give up your sins of
·         Jealousy?
·         False pride”
·         Feelings of superiority?
·         Crabbiness?
·         Being judgmental?
·         Grumpiness?
·         Pushiness?\
·         And even a few sins I haven’t mentioned?
·         Are you ready?
·         I hope so.
·         I know that I am. 

            From that time on our Lord Jesus began to explain to us…
·         That He must go to Jerusalem.
·         That He must suffer many things.
·         That He must be killed…
·         Suffer and die on a cross.
·         (Pause)  And that He must rise. 

            In our day we weren’t ready for all of this.

Are you ready?
Are you ready to follow Jesus?
Are you ready to confess who He is and what He has done for you?
Are you ready?
Are you ready to confess?

You are the Christ.
You are my Christ.
You are the Son of the Living God.
You are my God and my Savior.
Amen.

Sermon for February 17, 2010 Chapel & Nursing Home Services

Immanuel’s Ministry By Manuscript
Immanuel Lutheran Church - Freeport, Illinois

The Rev. Dr.Willis R. Schwichtenberg, Pastor 

“Pretzels in the Bible”
(based on Matthew 6:5-6)

Grace, mercy and peace to you from God our Heavenly Father and from our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.  Our text for today is part of the Gospel for Ash Wednesday…the words of Jesus in Matthew 6, verses 5-6: 

(6) And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men.  I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.  (6) But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.  Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.  This is our text for the day! 

The theme of my Lenten message for today the Body of Christ and Prayer.  

And to do this I am going to talk about something that I always like to talk about on Ash Wednesday and that is the subject of Pretzels.  Next to popcorn, I guess that pretzels are one of my favorite foods.  It’s hard to top popcorn…unless, of course, you use some butter and some salt. 

But, anyway, I would like to talk about pretzels.  There are many legends about pretzels…some of them are probably true and some of them are not.  One of the legends or stories about pretzels comes from the country of Germany.  And, supposedly, it comes from several centuries ago when there was this baker who was trying to get rid of the sweet dough that a lot of people didn’t eat during the season of Lent. 

For many years there was the tradition that during Lent the bakers would not use eggs and sugar as ingredient for the things that they were baking….especially bread.  Now, you don’t usually use eggs in bread…but you do use eggs and sugar to make cakes and donuts and other sweet breads.  And during Lent some people would give these things up and not eat them. 

It was sort of a spiritual exercise…like fasting.  Fasting is going without food or without certain foods.  And during the season of Lent as we think about what Jesus did for us, some people give up certain foods. 
·         Some people give up eating meat.
·         Some people give up eating candy.\
·         Some people give up eating desserts.
·         Some people give up eating all kinds of sweets.
·         Some people give up drinking pop or soda during Lent.
·         Or some people will simply giving up one or two meals a week during the season of Lent. 

            Now, it’s not that these things are bad…it’s probably good to give something up.  But some people think that we shouldn’t really give something up unless we would use the money we spend on these things as a gift for charity.

            But pretzels sort of fit into this mix as a special Lenten food.  In the Middle Ages people in the church were often asked to give up
Eggs
Lard
And dairy products such as milk and butter

There are many kinds of pretzels, for sure…and some even use these ingredients…and in today’s world you can get

Cheese filled pretzels
Pretzels coated with mustard topping
Pretzels coated with chocolate
Pretzels coated with white fudge
And pretzels of all sizes and shapes. 

            And some of these so-called “pretzels” would hardly be a Lenten food…or a Lenten food that would remind us of fasting…but the basic pretzel ingredients of flour and water could suggest fasting. 

            In fact, some years in my chapel talk (as you know) I have used the different sizes and shapes of pretzels to talk about prayer.  In fact, in the German language, I understand that the word “Bretzel” (not “pretzel” but “bretzel”) refers to little arms in prayer.  And, supposedly the most basic form of a pretzel is shaped like little arms in prayers.            

            The arms are crossed over the chest and the hands rest on the shoulders and we become a pretzel. 

Well, maybe this is what is happening in the story of the Pharisee and the Tax Collector in the Bible (or it is often called the Parable of the Pharisee and the Publican…the word “publican” means tax collector…and even the disciple, Matthew, was a tax collector). 

But, anyway, we read in Luke chapter 18, verse (9) To some who were confident of their own righteousness and looked down on everybody else, Jesus told this parable:  (10) Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector.  (11) The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself:  ‘God, I thank You that I am not like other men—robbers, evildoers, adulterers—or even like this tax collector.  (12) I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.’   

(13) But the tax collector (the publican) stood at a distance.  He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, ‘God, have mercy on me, a sinner.’  (14) I tell you (said Jesus) that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God.  For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. 

I get the feeling that this publican stood before God in the attitude of a pretzel…no, not a Freeport Pretzel, but in the attitude of prayer.   

The publican…the tax collector…was sort of observing Lent. 

·         Lent is all about considering the sins that took our Lord Jesus Christ to the cross.
·         Lent is a time to repent.
·         To turn around…that’s what the word “repent” means.
·         Lent is a time to think about the cross.
·         Jesus died for us on the cross and paid for our sins.
·         And Lent is supposed to help us to think about this a bit more carefully.
·         Lent is also a time for prayer.
·         And Lent is a time to help other people.
·         And, especially, Lent is a time to get ready for Easter and to really understand the great gift of eternal life that has been given to us by Jesus. 

            And if pretzels can help us do this…it is a good thing. 

            So, to conclude my sermon today I thought that maybe we should pretend that we are pretzels…or pretend how pretzels have something to do with prayer. 

            So, I need you to stand up to do this…to help with my pretzel sermon.  And, in keeping with our “body of Christ” theme…I want you to put your whole body into this message. 

            First of all, let’s pretend that we have our little arms (or our big arms) in prayer.  Let’s pretend that we are a pretzel and praying to God. 

            Second, let’s think of a long stick pretzel….not a curved one.  This would be praying directly to God…pointing up to God.  So, in this prayer let’s just let our whole body point up to God…raising our hands and standing as straight and tall as we can.  Let’s pretend that we are a pretzel pointing and praying to God. 

            Thirdly, let’s think of a short little pretzel and here we will just use our pointer finger.  When we pray we witness that we are Christians and we point to God and we are also saying that Jesus is number one in our lives.  So, let’s just point our pointer finger to God.  Let’s pretend that Jesus is number one and point to God. 

            Fourthly, let’s pretend that we are a short stubby pretzel.  Sometimes we just want to curl up in a ball in our beds when we pray.  We just want to keep thoughts to ourselves and sort of focus on Jesus and on God.  So, let’s just sort of hunch together like a short stubby pretzel and think about Jesus and what He means to us. 

            Number five and finally.  Some pretzels are twisted.  I guess that sometimes our prayers are a little twisted.  Sometimes we beat around the bush a bit or we don’t just get to the point.  And I guess that our God understands…and He understands perfectly.  And even if our prayers are twisted…we still direct them to our God. 

            Well, we could go on and on but I think that you get the point. 

First, little arms in prayer.
Second, long prayers directed to our God.
Third, short little prayers.
Fourth, short stubby prayers.
Fifth, twisted prayers. 

Jesus says it best when He teaches us to pray.  Returning to our text we read in verse (6) And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by men.  I tell you the truth, they have received their reward in full.  (6) But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen.  Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.   

May our God guide us through this season of Lent and may we receive that special reward of being even more ready to celebrate the coming of Easter as we confess our sins…as we repent of them and turn around…and as we again receive Jesus Christ as our Savior and Lord.  May our God grant this to us for Jesus’ sake.  Amen. 

Sermon for February 14, 2010

Immanuel’s Ministry By Manuscript
Immanuel Lutheran Church - Freeport, Illinois

The Rev. Dr.Willis R. Schwichtenberg, Pastor 

“Simon Peter, the Builder”
 (based on Luke 9:28-36)

A “First Person” Sermon by Simon Peter
(To my readers:  Please note that this is a “first person” sermon—a dramatic message given by a Biblical character.  It is based on Scripture but with additional thoughts that are devotional but not necessarily Biblical.  In essence, there is a point of “dramatic license” in this message. –Pastor Switz) 

            Hello again.  On the last Sabbath when I was with you I asked the question, “Do you know me?”  That’s still a good question.  Last Sabbath Day I told you all about that “fishing encounter” with my Lord Jesus Christ. 

And it would seem as if you came to know me and what I was like…a humble and penitent sinner…willing to go to his knees before Jesus…and willing to say to Jesus, “Get away from me.  I’m too sinful for You.  I’m not the man that you need to do the work that You think You have to do.  I’m not going to be that helpful.  And so forth.  Something we all need to do.  We are all sinful…we all fall short of God’s glory. 

It would seem that from that day on…everything was good with Jesus.  (clearing throat)  Hardly.  Are you sure that you know me?  Are you sure that you know yourself? 

What kind of person are you?  Friendly?  Outgoing?  Reserved?  Religious?  Devotional?  Staid?  Frank?  Honest?  Scrambling?   

When we came to follow Jesus it was like we were out of our minds…out of our senses.  We were so blind to everything that it meant.  Often we really didn’t hear what He was saying.  Usually, we didn’t really “smell the roses,” so to speak.  Always, we didn’t really taste to see that things were so good…that the Lord was so good!  And, to be very candid, we were out of touch with reality…living in this closed circle of disciples. 

What does it take to really see Jesus in all of His splendor and in all of His glory? What does it really take to
See
Hear
Smell
Taste
And touch
What life and ministry was all about? 

            This day that you call the “Transfiguration” was a day to which we had been building and building.   

            Jesus had been healing people.  He healed a man with leprosy--that dreaded skin disease.  We didn’t even want to be near that kind of person…let alone, touch them.  He healed a paralytic who talked and moved strangely.  He gave it to the Pharisees when we were chided for not fasting. 

            He re-established the Sabbath.  He said that God made it for us and not us for the Sabbath.  We need that day.  God doesn’t really need it…we do.  He named us “apostles”…ones who were sent…all twelve of us.  He taught us on the mountain and on the “plain.” 

            He talked about blessings and woes…about love for our enemies…about not judging people.  He talked about bearing fruit and building our houses on the rock…the rock of faith and devotion. 

            He healed the servant of a Centurion…raised the son of the widow of Nain.  He talked about John the Baptist and how Herod had him executed…a sad day in the life of Jesus…and a sad day for us all.  And at the home of Simon the Pharisee that sinful woman anointed Him with oil!  Wow!  What a scene. 

            He told parables…earthly stories with heavenly meanings.  He explained to us the meaning of family.  He healed that crazy man with the demon…sending those demons into the swine.  What a sight that was!  He healed that woman with an issue of blood and raised the daughter of Jairus, the synagogue ruler.   

            Then He sent us out and gave us power and authority over evil spirits.  I can’t believe some of the things that happened.  (Pause, reflecting)  And when we got back He tried to have us take some time to be alone.  To reflect.  To pray.  To grow. 

            And the crowds…they got bigger and bigger…and that day there was that hungry crowd…hungry for the Word…the Word of God…and, at the end, hungry for food.  And He fed them.  How?  I’ll never know.  Five loaves of bread.  Two fish.  And everyone…some 5000 men…everyone had enough to eat. 

            And then came the Transfiguration.  Eight days before this day happened Jesus asked a probing question, “Who do the crowds say I am?”  “Who do the crowds say I am?” 

            What are the people saying?  What’s the talk around the “water hole”?  What’s the ‘scuttlebutt’ around the Sea of Galilee and the boats.  What kind of whispering is going on in the marketplace?  And when we’re on the outskirts of the city and those teachings and miracles are being discussed…and when you consider that mission trip you were on…”Who do the crowds say I am?”  

“Who do the crowds say I am?”  John?  Elijah?  And I answered, “You are the Christ.  You are the Christ…the Son of the living God.  You are the Christ.” 

Eight days later we found ourselves on that mountain with Jesus.  It was a “heady” time.  The air was thin and Jesus was talking…and then praying…and praying…and suddenly…suddenly…there was a change in Jesus. 

…The sun going down.  The light around Him.  The aura.  And I don’t know what was happening.  James and John and I were trying to stay awake and trying to pray and trying to watch and we could scarcely keep our eyes open…and Jesus began to get brighter and brighter…he began to glow…His face changed…His demeanor changed…His clothes changed and became as bright as a flash of lightning. 

(Makes noise)  What a scene.  What a scene!  And then there was Moses.  It had to be Moses.  He was holding those 10 Commandment tablets…and, then, there was Elijah the Tishbite with his staff and his mantle…it had to be Elijah…that fiery prophet…and they were talking with Jesus.  (Long Pause)  Talking with Jesus.  Talking with Jesus. 

‘Tis good, Lord, to be here.
Thy glory fills the night.
Thy face and garments like the sun,
Shine with unborrowed light.

Before we taste of death,
We see Thy kingdom come;
We long to hold this vision bright
And make this hill our home. 

            I wanted to start a building project.  I wanted to hold onto this vision.  I wanted to stay there forever.  It’s time to build.  It’s time to build!  

            (Long Pause)  What do you do first when you’ve had a taste of heaven?  What do you do first when you see the Lord Jesus by faith?  What do you do first when you just want to hold onto everything by faith? What do you do when you don’t know what to do? 

            I am Simon Peter, the Builder.  And, yes, that’s what I talked about with Jesus.  I’m not much of a carpenter but I said, “I’d like to build three little booths here and stay on this mountain forever.  I want to set up three tents…three little enclosures like we do at Pentecost…and
Stay
And pray
And stay
And pray
And stay
And pray 

            It’s a good thing that the Shekinah came…that spiritual cloud…and rescued me and James and John from certain (Long Pause) goofiness.  (Pause)  It’s a good thing. 

            As I said those things a cloud came and overshadowed us and we were filled with great fear.  But, then, there was a voice from that cloud…a strong and even and steady voice…
This is my Son…
This is Jesus…
This is the Son of God…
This is my Chosen One…
The Messiah…
The Christ…
The one who was to come…
Jesus…
(Long Pause)
Listen to Him.
Listen to Him. 

            I was so fearful that my eyes were closed.  That was the wont of James and John too.  Our eyes were closed and, yet, we could see!  And when we opened our eyes, there was Jesus.  Jesus alone.  Jesus alone.  Jesus only. 

            What do you want to build?
Your family?
Your faith?
A special work of mission?
A special area of ministry?
Your school?
Your marriage?
Your children?
Your prayer life?
Your devotion to Jesus?
What do you want to build? 

            Are you ready to follow His plans and the plan?  In His Word God says that He would have all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.  He would have all to fall on their knees in repentance and faith.  (I Timothy 2:4) 

            And then He will lift your eyes and you will see Jesus alone.  And Jesus only.  And you will really be ready to build.  In Jesus’ Name.  Amen. 

Luke 9:28-36 

(28) About eight days after Jesus said this, He took Peter, John, and James with Him and went up onto a mountain to pray.  (29) As He was praying, the appearance of his face changed, and His clothes became as bright as a flash of lightning. 

(30) Two men, Moses and Elijah, (31) appeared in glorious splendor, talking with Jesus.  They spoke about His departure, which He was about to bring to fulfillment at Jerusalem. 

(32) Peter and his companions were very sleepy, but when they became fully awake, they saw his glory and the two men standing with him.  (33) As the men were leaving Jesus, Peter said to him, "Master, it is good for us to be here.  Let us put up three shelters--one for You, one for Moses and one for Elijah."  (He did not know what he was saying.) 

(34) While he was speaking, a cloud appeared and enveloped them, and they were afraid as they entered the cloud.  (35) A voice came from the cloud, saying, "This is my Son, whom I have chosen; listen to Him."  (36) When the voice had spoken, they found that Jesus was alone.  The disciples kept this to themselves, and told no one at that time what they had seen. 

Sermon for February 7, 2010

Immanuel’s Ministry By Manuscript
Immanuel Lutheran Church - Freeport, Illinois

The Rev. Dr.Willis R. Schwichtenberg, Pastor 

“Simon, the Fisherman”
 (based on Luke 5:1-11)

A “First Person” Sermon by Simon Peter
(To my readers:  Please note that this is a “first person” sermon—a dramatic message given by a Biblical character.  It is based on Scripture but with additional thoughts that are devotional but not necessarily Biblical.  In essence, there is a point of “dramatic license” in this message. –Pastor Switz) 

        Do you know me?  I almost sound like one of those American Express commercials on your so-called TV set at your so-called Super Bowl game…whatever that is. 

        Do you know me?  Are you sure?  My name is Simon Peter…or Simon, son of Jonah.  (8:00 - Maybe you thought I was my “uncle” over here…Simon the Farmer.)  No, I’m Simon…Simon Peter…Simon, son of Jonah. 

My name “Simon” is a great Jewish name which means “to hear” or “to be heard”…or, in essence, “God heard”…”God heard”…  Maybe it’s because I had big ears when I was born…or maybe my name suggests that God heard the prayers of my mother.  God does hear such prayers, doesn’t He?  And God is always listening. 

And, as you are going to be hearing from your minister, there are several Simons in the Bible.
·        Simon the Sorcerer.
·        Simon the Tanner.
·        Simon, the brother of our Lord Jesus Christ.
·        Simon the Zealot…the other Simon at the table.
·        Simon, the Father of Jesus.
·        Simon the Leper.
·        Simon the Pharisee.
·        And Simon of Cyrene, who helped carry the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. 

        And I guess that God heard each of these Simons in their particular unique way.  But I am the first Simon…Simon, son of Jonah…or, Simon “Peter” or “Petros” as I came to be called.  Jesus called me the “Rock” (“petros”)…and, finally, the “Rock” has come back to Immanuel.  Well, I’ll tell you more about this in another message.  But today I want to tell you the story of Simon Peter, the Fisherman.  Simon Peter, the Fisherman. 

        Do you like to fish?  Or, as some people around Nazareth like to say, “Do you like to feesh?”  

        That day that we fisherman and others were busy listening to Jesus wasn’t the first time that I had been introduced to Him.  I had been listening to Jesus from a distance.  His so-called “popularity” was growing and Jesus was getting ready to enlist a group of what are called “disciples” or followers who would be learning from Him.   

I think that your minister likes to say that a “disciple” was a “disciplined follower” of Jesus.  Well, that leaves me out.  I like to listen to what Jesus said and I wouldn’t mind following Him around…as I’ve been doing…but disciplined?  Disciplined?   

Hardly.  I’m hardly a disciplined person.  Rough.  Coarse.  Earthy.  I admit that I cuss now and then.  And I’m pushy.  Crude.  Smelly.  Those fish odors aren’t always pleasant.  And simple.  Book learnin’ is hardly my style. 

        But I sure didn’t mind listening to Jesus.  There was something about Him that attracted a crowd.  If Jesus was in the vicinity, you just had to go and listen to Him.  And you could take an hour or a half day or even a day…and the time would go by so quickly…listening to Jesus.  Listening to Jesus.  Do you like to listen to Jesus? 

        Well, there was this day that Jesus was teaching by the Sea of Galilee.  I guess that some people call it ·        Lake Kinneret
·        or the Lake of Gennesaret
·        or even after the Caesar…the Sea of Tiberius. 

Well, it’s hardly a “sea”…and it’s even hardly a lake…it’s not that big…13 miles long, 8 miles wide…about 33 miles around. 

        But this was the home area of Jesus and one day Jesus was standing there by the Sea of Galilee and teaching.  Teaching.  As was His wont.  As was His custom.  As was His calling.  A teacher.  One to teach us.  Guide us.  Instruct us. 

        And the crowd was there.  Oh, there was some rabble, as there always was.  Some of the elite.  Pharisees and Sadducees, a priest or two and some Levites.  But, mostly, the people.  The common everyday people.  Listening.  Learning.   Listening. 

        And the people were crowding around and listening to the Word of God…and the crowd was literally pushing Jesus into the water as they got closer and closer.  There was an eagerness to listen to Jesus by people of and in all walks of life.  Men and women and children.   

        And we were listening too.  All of us from two different boats.  Oh, we were busy washing our nets…but we were listening.  Listening while working.  And that’s pretty appropriate, too, isn’t it?  Listening to the Word of God while we were working…while we work. 

        Well, anyway, Jesus just stepped into one of the boats…my boat…and said, “Simon, can you just cast off a little from shore?”  “Can I?”  “Of course I can!”  I was honored by His request.  I was overwhelmed by His request.  I was amazed by His request…amazed that He was talking to me!   

        And then He sat down in the boat.  Maybe you don’t realize it, but teachers always sit down when they teach.  It’s a sign of authority.  It’s a sign that they know what they’re talking about.  And Jesus sure knew what He was talking about.  He sure did!   

And I was so happy that I was helping Jesus with His preaching.  Well, all it was, was a boat in the water.  But I was helping Him in my own simple way.  And every job that you do, brothers and sisters in Christ…every task that you do that helps with getting out the Word of God…is a task which is important.  Every task.  Every task! 

        Well, the minutes flew by and I guess that it was an hour or two.  And His words were spellbinding.  And they weren’t just beautiful words.  They were witty.  They were insightful.  They were profound.  They were thought-provoking.  They were challenging.  And sometimes they made a person feel very, very uncomfortable.  Such were His words…if…if we are willing to listen. 

        And it was pretty simple indeed.  Fishermen listening to Jesus.  But, then, quite abruptly, Jesus was done talking…He took a break.  And He turned to me and said, "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.  "Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch."     

        I’ve heard it said that not too many people ever said “No” to Jesus.  Oh, there was that Rich Young Ruler.  But most people said “Yes” to Jesus.  But not me.  But how about you?  Do you ever say “No” to Jesus?  (Pause)  Are you sure?  

        Well, anyway, I can’t believe what I said to Jesus.  As I grew older and as I grow older I can’t believe what I said to our Lord Jesus. 

        I said, “Master, we've worked hard all night and haven't caught anything.”  It wasn’t time to fish.  Our work was done.  We were tired.  Exhausted.  Crabby.  Ready to take a nap.  And, not only that, it was a bad night.  The fish weren’t there.  We hadn’t caught anything.  Nothing.  Nada.    (Pause) “But because You say so, I will let down the nets." 

        In a way I was listening but as I think back on my words, I’m embarrassed.  I can’t believe what I said…I can’t believe that I was that snippy…that short…that nasty…that abrupt…(Pause)…with Jesus.  “But because You say so, I will let down the nets."  “But because You say so, I will let down the nets."  “(sarcastic) But because You say so, I will let down the nets." 

        (Pause)  I was a little embarrassed.  (Pause)  Well, doubly so…when we saw what happened.  Let me tell you, there were fish.  And there were fish beyond belief.  Fishermen like to brag about what they catch…I know that I do…and I guess that our eyes are bigger than truth…bigger than reality…even bigger than our eyes…but we were Fishermen listening to the Catch that day. 

        We caught fish beyond belief.  God blessed us in unbelievable ways.  There were blessings beyond reality.  Maybe you’ve seen some of those blessings in your life if you really stop to think about it.   

        And as I looked at all of those fish jumping and flaying and flopping around in our boats my great excitement was tempered by my great embarrassment…my great fear…my great sorrow…my great sinfulness…my great unworthiness… 

        The catch.  The catch.  The catch.  I still can’t believe it…even though I’m seeing it from the other side of the resurrection.  And even now I fall to my knees in great sorrow and humility and embarrassment that God would use someone like me.  Someone like me.  And, yes, someone like you. 

        We caught such a large number of fish that our nets began to break.  And we signaled our partners in the other boat (James and John…the Sons of Zebedee) to come and help and they came and we filled both boats so full that they began to sink with the catch.  The fish.  The fish.  The fish! 

And I fell to my knees at the knees of my Lord Jesus and I said, "Go away from me, Lord; I am a sinful man!"  "Go away from me, Lord (get out of here…for); I am a sinful man!  You don’t want to be around me.  I’m crude.  I’m negative.  I’m boisterous.  I’m a pig.  I am nothing."  

        There was such a sense of astonishment that day about the catch.  The catch.  And that’s how God strikes us, isn’t it?  With His Word of Law.  With His Word of Power.  With His message that we have all sinned and that we all fall short of the glory of God.  He does this with nature.  He does this with people.  He does this with events.  He does this with tragedy.  He does this with many other things. 

        And we are driven to our knees in repentance and fear and awe…and more.  I’ve been there.  Have you?  Have you?  

        But then we have to listen to the “Ketch.”  The word “Ketch” K-E-T-C-H is a word for a boat that has the special ability to maneuver and to change speed and to react to the winds that blow.   

        Our “Ketch” is our Lord Jesus Christ on the cross.  When we fall to our knees in repentance and prayer our Lord lifts our eyes, our hearts, our lives with the precious truth of the Gospel…we don’t have to fear…we don’t have to be afraid…our sins are covered…our work is sanctified…our lives are changed…by the Gospel…the Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

        We no longer have to fear or be afraid because now we are “catching” humans…. bringing them to the Gospel…bringing them to Jesus (like bringing our children to church) …teaching them…witnessing to them…supporting and helping them…serving them…and keeping them in the boat. 

        I’m just one man who by the grace of God was compelled to follow my heart and to follow Jesus.  Oh, once in a while I still went fishing…but my life…both good and bad…was now under the guidance of my Lord Jesus.  I’m not saying I was perfect.  In fact, I was far from it.  In the coming weeks you are going to watch me
·        Putting my foot in my mouth…
·        Getting off on the wrong foot…
·        Saying things before my brain is in gear…
·        Making promises I can’t keep…
·        And doing things that get me into trouble. 

        But the words of Jesus were accurate.  Now I was a fisher of men.  A Christian.  A child of God.  One who had to talk about Jesus.  

        Are you ready to “catch” others?  Do you need to commit or recommit your life to Jesus?  We do this as we confess our sins…as we repent of them and as we receive the Gospel…believing in Jesus as our Savior.  May God grant this to us for Jesus’ sake.  Amen!

Immanuel has its own version of basketball “March Madness” with our 48^th annual Tri-State Tournament March 12-14.  It will include dozens of boys and girls basketball teams, cheerleading competition, devotions before each game, a special Tri-State worship service on Saturday at 5:30 p.m., plus our regular worship services on Sunday, March 14, as well as the championship games on Sunday afternoon.  In addition, a special Bible class hour in the church fellowship hour will include treats, devotions, and a touch of humor.

Simon Peter (as characterized by Pastor Willis Schwichtenberg) is visiting all of our mid-week services during the season of Lent.  He is talking about the “rock” nickname that our Lord Jesus Christ gave to Him as well as Jesus Christ who is the “rock” of our faith.  Classes from our school are also singing at our mid-week services on Wednesdays at 12:15 and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m.  The March schedule includes the 1^st and 2^nd Grades (March 3 and 4), 3^rd and 4^th Grades (March 10 and 11), 5^th, 6^th and 7^th Grades (March 17 and 18) and our special 8^th grade “drama” (March 24 and 25).  In our Sunday services Pastor Richard “Ros” Schultz will explore the “Simons of the Bible.”

Our Sunday messages:
March 7 – Simon, the Brother of Jesus
March 14 – Simon the Zealot (the Canaanite)
(plus a special March 13 service at 5:30 p.m.)
March 21 – Simon the Father (of Judas)
March 28 – Simon the Leper, Simon the Pharisee
April 4 – Simon Peter, the Runner (Easter Sunday)
April 11 – Simon Peter, the Shadow (Easter II
April 18 – Simon Peter, the Shepherd (Easter III) 

Our Mid-Week Messages (Wed 12:15; Thrs 7:00):
March 3/4 – Simon Peter, the Resolver
March 10/11 – Simon Peter, the Butcher
March 17/18 – Simon Peter, the Denier
March 24/25 – Simon Peter, the Disciple (8^th Grade drama)
March 31/April 1 – Simon Peter, Gospel Writer (7:00 drama)
Good Friday, April 2 – Simon of Cyrene (12:15 & 7:00)

Soup is being served before and after the Wednesday services and the children will be singing at the mid-week chapel services (at 8;50 a.m.) and also at our Thursday evening services at 6:30 p.m. (with a time of fellowship following the services).  Plan to attend all of our Petras Faith services.

 Easter Sunday, April 4, will feature Communion worship at 7:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. as well as the annual Youth-sponsored Easter Breakfast beginning at 8:00 a.m.  Our annual “Parade of Praise” music and prose will be at 9:30 a.m.

FIDELES Circle has changed its regular monthly meeting times to 6:30.  The March meeting will be Tuesday, February 2 at 6:30 p.m. in the church Fellowship Hall.  Hostesses will be Eleanor Kilker and Marcella Jacobsen with devotions on “Unity in Our Ministry of Christian Education” by Pastor Ros Schultz.  A Healthy Eating presentation from FHN will be featured.

CONCORDIA, The Concordia Society (our afternoon women’s group), resumes its meetings Wednesday, March 3, 2010, in the Fellowship Hall at 1:00 p.m. following the noontime mid-week Lenten service.  Hostesses will be Stella Laugesen and Norene Germain.  A free will offering will be taken and arrangements will be made for the spring coffee.  Devotions will be on the Story of Esther by Pastor Richard “Ros” Schultz. 

We are offering two “Shalom Communion” services in March.  Our Shalom (‘peace”) services are designed for individuals who are having a difficult time walking, standing or just getting out for our regular services.  Wheelchairs and walkers are especially welcome but all are invited.  They are short devotional services (about ½ hour in length) and our pastors will distribute the Sacrament of Holy Communion in the pews where you are sitting.  Our schedule:
Tuesday, March 2 – 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, March 9 – 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, April 6 – 11:00 a.m.
Tuesday, April 20 – 11:00 a.m. 

MARCH YOUTH ACTIVITES

Our Senior and Junior Youth continue to have an active program. Most Sundays the Junior Youth meet from 5:30-7:00 and the Senior Youth from 6:30-8:00.  From 6:30-7:00 we have snacks together with both groups.  See the monthly calendar and special flyers for more information or   contact Karen Luedtke @ 815.238.7606 or any Board Member.  Thanks for your prayers and support.  Karen’s E-mail: bennettk76@yahoo.com

BELL CHOIR:  Our Immanuel Lutheran Handbell choir will be featured at the Lenten Concert at Community Reformed Church, 1421 West Galena Avenue, on Sunday, March 14 at 7:00 p.m.  Other concerts at the Community Church will be Glenda Linneman (March 7), Radiance (March 21) and As One Voice (March 28).

TYLE SHOW:  Our IWM (Immanuel Women’s Ministry) is having a Two by Two Style Show Saturday April 24 from 1:00-3:00 p.m. at the church.  Women and girls (mother/daughter, sisters, two friends) attending are invited to find a partner and dress to match in some creative way for a special style show.  Even if you prefer not to be a part of the style show, please come!  Bring a salad to share with the recipe.  The history of shoes and Biblical lessons on walking in faith will be shared.  This is a Christ-centered fellowship opportunity for all girls and women to gather together and to build one another up in the faith. 

VISITS:  Please remember that if you desire Pastor Schwichtenberg or Pastor Schultz to visit with you, you may call them anytime and set a time and date to meet.  The church number is 815/235-1993.  The cell phones are 815/266-9370 (Pastor Schwichten-berg) and 262/389-5630 (Pastor Schultz).  

LWML:  The Lutheran Women’s Missionary League (LWML) is a recognized service organization of the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS).  It concentrates on member education, Bible study and prayer support of missions around the world.  The LWML collects mites as did the widow in Scriptures.  Mite boxes are always available in the narthex.  The Concordia Society is a wonderful advocate in collecting mites.  Immanuel has seven active members.  Our church and our sister church, Our Redeemer Lutheran, have joined as one society.  Meetings are held every other month, alternating meeting sites.  There are no summer meetings.  All women members of Immanuel Church are welcome to join the LWML. 
–Respectfully Submitted, Sharon Ruthe

NAME TAGS:  Please consider wearing your name tag every Sunday as a way of connecting with each brother and sister in our congregation.  It is always helpful to wear your name badge when we welcome new members and our pastors appreciate it when our children wear their tags for the children’s sermon.  What a blessing it is to be a part of the fellowship of Immanuel!  If you need a new or replacement badge, talk with Bonnie Larson or Brenda Glandorf or Kathie Miller or Pastor Switz.

CARS FOR HELP:  Donate your old car…help others and receive a tax deduction.  It’s fast and easy and only requires one call.  Cars For Help will take care of the rest.  Cars for Help is a 501c3 not-for-profit charity that works with Lutheran World Relief.  Call 630/595-9272 or visit them on the web at www.CarsForHelp.com. 

PRAYERS FOR GOD’S HEALING: This month after our 8:00 service on February 7 (9:05 a.m.) and after our 10:30 service on February 14 (11:35 a.m.).  We invite people to gather in the Baptismal font area for a special time of prayers for God’s healing.  This brief order of service is conducted by our pastors.

WORK DAYS:   We are planning two school and gym work days for the first and second weeks of March.  The first “Work Day” will be Saturday, March 6 from 9:00 until noon.  Specific tasks will be posted with a variety of items needing to be done on floors, walls, halls, and rooms.  The second “Work Day” will be Wednesday, March 10 from 3:00-5:00 (or until finished).  It will include set-up for the Tri-State weekend. 

INTERCOM IMPROVEMENTS:  A grant from the State of Illinois (Health and Safety Grant) and funds from the Hodel Endowment are paying for intercom equipment updates at our school.  The work will be completed this month and will bring our facility up to code for proper operation of our school and daycare center.  The Child Development Center as well as all areas used for teaching at our church will be connected through the intercom.  The playgrounds will have speakers and there will be two way communication devices near the back doors for our playground areas.  Special thanks to Jon Staben of JSTelecom for his donation of skilled labor to install the upgrades. 

MARKET DAY:  Orders are due March 19^th.  Forms are in a drawer located near the school pop dispenser or order online at their web site, www.marketday.com.  Delivery is on March 23 from 3:00-5:00 in the school cafeteria. 

SCRIP is another name for “substitute money/gift certificates” from national and local retailers.  It is exciting because half of the profit goes to the school and the other half can be applied to a student’s tuition. Orders are due Tuesday, March 2, & 16 with delivery on Tuesdays,  March 9, & 23.  You may order online by going to www.shopwithscrip.com.  The enrollment code for Immanuel is 3FC1A1E411864.  Locked boxes for payment are located at the school.

SPORTS/CAMP PHYSICALS: will be conducted for Immanuel students as well as area students on Tuesday, June1st.  Mark your calendars. 

SCHOOL REGISTRATION:  Information about re-registration for the 2010-2011 school year has been mailed.  If you did not received your packet or know someone who would be interested in attending Immanuel Lutheran School, please call the school at 815.232.3511.  Our current students have until March 15^th to secure their enrollment and get their registration fee credited to their first month’s tuition.  After March 15^th, our enrollment is open to the public.

EIGHTH GRADE FUND RAISERS:  The 8^th graders will be serving at Culvers on Monday, March 1^st and Diamond Dave’s on Wednesday March 10^th.  Each business will donate 10% of the profits.  (Culvers for all day; Diamond Dave’s for the evening.)  Support their efforts and eat at these two establishments. 

ALUMNI GAME:  Are you a former Lancer?  Alumni basketball is being planned for Friday evening, March 19.  If you are interested, contact Athletic Director, Larry Tigges or Principal Mike Welton (ltigges@immanuellutheranfreeport.com)   (mwelton@immanuellutheranfreeport.com) by email or at 815-232-3511.  It was so much fun last year. Let’s do it again! 

BITTY BASKETBALL:  The kindergarten through 4^th grade children will be playing basketball on Sunday afternoon, March 21, starting at 1 PM.  If you can help coach or organize, please contact Athletic Director Larry Tigges by email (ltigges@immanuellutheranfreeport.com) or call 815-232-3511. Come and watch the play.  You’ll have as much fun as the kids.

Certain CASH donations for Haiti can be deducted on your 2009 tax return.  For further information, call the school or talk to you tax preparer. 

Our small group Bible studies continue with a variety of Bible studies—Old and New Testament classes, book studies, parenting classes, DVD offerings and many other opportunities to grow in our faith and service.  Check out the list of classes on the narthex board or go to the church web site, www.ourgodwithus.org. 

RUMMAGE SALE:  Have you been cleaning your closets during these long winter months?  Remember Immanuel will hold its annual Rummage Sale June 10-12 with set up the Saturday before. Donations will be received June 7-9.   

GIDEONS SUNDAY  (one of our Missions of the Month) is set for Sunday, March 7.  A representative of the Gideons will briefly speak in our 8:00 and 10;30 services that day and an offering will be taken at the door at the end of our services. 

RED AND WHITE BALL:  The Stephenson Nursing Center is having is annual “Red and White ball” Saturday, February 6 at the Freeport Eagles Club.  Music, dancing, buffet, door prizes and fun.  Cost is only $10 per person.   

MARK GRACE SHOW:  Christian singer Mark Grace and Point of Grace is coming to Freeport on Saturday, April 17 at the Freeport Masonic Temple at 7:00 p.m.  Tickets are $25, $18 and $12 and are available at itickets.com or by calling 815/947-3063 the ticket office there.  The concert is sponsored by Leap of Faith Music Ministries.

 MOONLIGHT SERANADE is the title of a fun evening of fine big band music and dancing featuring the smooth sounds of the Freeport High School Jazz Ensemble and the Highland Community College Big Band both under the direction of Bill Peterson.  Tickets at $7.50 each are available at the HCC box office from 1:00-5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday or at the door.  Appetizers, snacks, and beverages will be provided.

MID-WEEK E-MAILS:  If you wish to get school E-mail updates send your E-mail address to school@immanuellutheranfreeport.com.

 WORLD BOOK ONLINE Immanuel students and friends of Immanuel and their families can log into www.worldbookonline.com. The access ID is “Immanuelfreeport” and the password is “lancers.”

MOMENTS

…with our Associate Pastor

Authority…on the first Sunday in Lent my first sermon was about authority.

It has been said that the Church no longer has authority in the world.  We, that is pastors at pastors conferences are  told that the world no longer wants to hear what the Church has to say…that our culture is post institutional, meaning that “we” are beyond the times when we look to any institution as being authoritative, or having authority.

This culture no longer sees any standing institution as knowing what is true or what is right.  Truth and reality are defined by the person, however inside a cultural experience.

So, we ask the famous Lutheran question…What does this mean?

This means that we do and be what we have been all along.  The church is not an institution and its about time we as the people who make up the church realize that and embrace that fact.  We are a people with a faith given to us in Jesus Christ and we as a people live out that faith together.

What does this mean for how we do things?

It means that we are mission focused and evangelism driven.  Every move we make, every decision we make, everything we do should be for the mission of Christ. 

 It also means that when people say that the ‘church’ has no authority to tell them who they should be, that we speak to them the truth in love about who they are being made into being because you have been given authority in Christ.

 In Christ,

 Pastor Schultz
(The Rev. Richard “Ros” Schultz, Associate Pastor)

The Rev. David and Robin Lukefahr
712 S Osteopathy
Kirksville, MO  63501
revluke@sbcglobal.net

The Rev. Patrick and Lisa Cox
780 Blossom Hill Lane
Dallastown, PA  17313
pstpic@comcast.net

The Rev. Richard and Rita Mau
1780 E Algonquin
Des Plaines, IL  60016
maushaus@juno.com

The Rev. Stephen and Pamela King
8636 SM 36
Baldwin, MI  49301-9781
vaterking@sbcglobal.net

The Rev. Mark and Corrine Brase
710 W Tyler Avenue
Fairfield, IA  52556
mcbrase@iowatelecom.net

The Rev. Gary and Sara Scharrer
663 North Main
Wilkes-Barre, PA  18705-1732
garyandsara@saltlightcity.com

The Rev. Mark and Kristen Wiesenborn
2516 Sunfish Drive
Pearland, TX  77584
wiesenmark@earthlink.net

The Rev. Brad and Lori Klein
4726 Spinning Wheel Drive
Brighton, CO  80601
blnjklein@comcast.net

The Rev. Paul and Jackie Roggow
258 S Marion Parkway
Denver, CO  80209
paulroggow@gmail.com

The Rev. David and Laurie Daniel
4401 Depot Drive
Swartz Creek, MI  48473
ddaniel@toast.net

The Rev. Richard and Jessica Schultz
806 S Park
Freeport, IL  61032-4653
rschultz@immanuellutheranfreeport.com

The Rev. Philip and Heather Robarge
3935 Merced
DesMoines, IA  50310
probarge@gloriadeionline.com

Church Worship

   "Our God With Us" TV program is at 7:30 pm
on Thursday evening - Cable TV channel 17